Chapter 346: As Fate Dictates (1/2)

Qi Yun gritted his teeth at Nan Xun's confident declaration and took a calming breath. “Are you boasting? How do you know she wouldn't like me? If I tell her how I feel, do you think she'll cruelly turn me down?”

“You won't do it. You haven't confessed to her exactly because you know she doesn't like you. Do you think she doesn't have an inkling about how you feel? She simply doesn't return your feelings.”

“You grew up together. She considers you a brother and a friend. It's not going to change. Do you know why she has been playing ignorant? If you haven't been childhood friends, she wouldn't have cared enough to do that.”

“If you confess to her, you can't even be friends. You know that. She does as well. She doesn't want to lose you as a friend, Qi Yun. If you care about her, don't cast aside her consideration.”

What Nan Xun hit Qi Yun hard. Nan Xun had known all about his concerns. He simply kept it to himself to maintain the long running friends.h.i.+p between Jun Huang and Qi Yun.

Qi Yun realized that he'd made a reckless move. He sighed and smiled wryly. “You're right. So be it then. You may go now.”

He slumped over the divan, his face clouded.

Nan Xun gave him a meaningful look and swallowed down his unspoken words. He simply wanted Qi Yun to recognize that Jun Huang wouldn't return his feelings. He wasn't trying to ruin the young prince.

“Consider what she wants if you care about her.” That was the last thing Nan Xun said before leaving the palace. He looked up at the sky and s.h.i.+elded his eyes from the blinding sunlight. A weight lifted from his chest.

Qi Yun covered his eyes, his eyes stinging. He could still hear Jun Huang's cool voice. He couldn't recall the last time Jun Huang had been so cold to him.

Please restrain yourself. The simple phrase had chilled him to the bone. He slowly breathed out and thought back to the way Jun Huang looked at him. Her eyes had been so calm and composed.

He'd seen how Jun Huang looked at Nan Xun. She'd never been one to show her emotions openly, not even when she was with her family. However, around Nan Xun, her eyes were loving and gentle.

Qi Yun knew Jun Huang well, which made her unusual reaction even more p.r.o.nounced. She never looked at him like that.

His chest tightened. When he first met Jun Huang, she was a little girl with bright eyes. Others a.s.sumed she was nothing but a princess with a strong personality. No one realized that she hoped for a peaceful world. No one saw how stunning her smile was. No one knew how graceful she could be.

People like her would leave their prints in history. However, during the time they were apart, the girl had grown into a woman with the weight of revenge on her shoulders. She plotted and schemed, and finally she found her sanctuary… but it wasn't him.

Nan Xun didn't stay in the palace. He and Jun Huang had arrived at Northern Qi a while ago, but he hadn't had the time to stay with Jun Huang. Since he had a free day, he should keep her company.

He hurried back to his manor, his expression eager like a man rus.h.i.+ng back to his wife, which was exactly what he was. The women working in brothels called out for him teasingly while waving their handkerchiefs.

Once he arrived, he made his way to the side building where Jun Huang had been staying in, but she wasn't there. A maid noted his frown and hurried to him. “Are you looking for the lady, Your Highness? She's in the backyard.”

Nan Xun relaxed and nodded, fixing his sleeves before making his way to the backyard. Jun Huang was playing a zither in the pavilion. A gentle melody weaved through the air.

She tilted her head, her hair running gracefully down her face. Her red lips were curved into a faint smile, and her eyes were as bright as the moon. The setting sun cast an orange glow on her green dress. She looked like a painting as she plucked the strings with delicate fingers, eyelashes fluttering.

Not far from her, a few maids came to a stop, transfixed. Nan Xun lightened his steps in order not to disturb the serene moment. He stopped before he reached the pavilion.

He would never let anyone take her away from him. He'd never give up on her.

He thought back to his conversation with Qi Yun. He didn't know if the young prince had been convinced, but he wasn't going to risk it. He listed out what he knew about Jun Huang and Qi Yun's shared past and decided not to tell her anything about it.

“When did you return?” The music stopped. Jun Huang looked up at Nan Xun with a smile. She was stunning with sunlight illuminating her from behind.

Nan Xun broke out of his trance. Jun Huang's eyes were clear and focused. Overwhelmed by emotions, he approached her, his face softening.

“Not long ago.” Nan Xun sat down next to Jun Huang, his voice so quiet it was as if he didn't want to scare her.